8th generation ES!
Pole Position
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 837
From: Idaho
Assuming the 2024 NX is representative of Lexus plug-ins, once that battery is discharged, a plug-in hybrid operates as a standard hybrid. However, it is not as efficient as the standard hybrid, as you're giving away around three miles per gallon compared to the NX 350h.
- NX 350h – 41 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 39 mpg combined
- NX 450h+ – 37 miles EV-only range, then 38 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 36 mpg combined
I might add that we are really enjoying this car. It is very smooth on electric and the 35 - 40 mile range handles any of our local errands. Is it worth the extra cost - hard to say. From a pure economic point of view, probably not. When that battery ultimately needs to be replaced, it will be much more expensive than a standard hybrid so the economics are still a great question. But do I like it well enough to buy another PHEV - YES.
Last edited by TechNut; Jun 7, 2025 at 09:26 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 624
From: Kentucky
Great post as usual, Ultra. The only part I disagree with is "squandered opportunity." I think Lexus is just chasing the opportunity that's there for a luxury sedan maker now, and that's no longer in this country. It reflects the seismic economic shift that's going in on the larger world outside the showroom, and increasingly we're no longer the center of that. If anything, the events of this year prove that from an economic perspective, Lexus read the tea leaves correctly. Our nation's fast-accelerating decline in the world hierarchy is going to show up in countless ways, and car design is just one of them.
From a purely pragmatic, global business strategy perspective, you're almost certainly right. Lexus is likely just following the money, pivoting to where the volume and growth for this segment now reside. Your point about this reflecting a larger "seismic economic shift" is spot on.
My "squandered opportunity" comment comes from a slightly different, perhaps more product-focused and North American-centric viewpoint. It's the opportunity to continue a specific legacy of design and brand identity that served this market so well, which has now been sacrificed at the altar of that larger global play.
So, in a way, we might be two sides of the same coin. They are seizing a new economic opportunity while, from our perspective as long-time customers here, simultaneously squandering a cherished product heritage. A tough trade-off, and one that many of us are clearly feeling.
Appreciate the sharp insight, as always.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Texas
19in is the smallest tire size. If I am looking for the most comfortable ride, will I be able to use tires with bigger sidewalls? I would like to match ride on my 17in ES350 as much as possible.
Last edited by radiologym; Jun 8, 2025 at 08:56 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 729
Likes: 289
From: MA
Are you saying 19" is the smallest tire size available on the 8ES? Have auto makers gone completely insane? I can barely stand the looks and ride of 18" tires. That would have been a show stopper for me.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 729
Likes: 289
From: MA
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Texas
Last edited by radiologym; Jun 8, 2025 at 03:04 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 729
Likes: 289
From: MA
One of the reviewers for preproduction ES mentioned it and I looked up official specs, in disbelief. Pretty much, I was going to buy 2026 until I found out that smallest tire listed is 19in. 20in is the other option. They have gone to extra lengths to make ride more comfortable with larger body and then ruin it with tires??
Sorry I'll stop hollering so loudly.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 729
Likes: 289
From: MA
Even if I could get a brain transplant and somehow like the looks of big wheels, the engineering and physics makes no sense.
Higher unsprung weight puts more stress on the suspension, reduces ride quality and tires are more subject to pothole damage
Heavier rotational mass reduces effective power to the wheels and reduces fuel economy
They are much more costly to replace
Higher unsprung weight puts more stress on the suspension, reduces ride quality and tires are more subject to pothole damage
Heavier rotational mass reduces effective power to the wheels and reduces fuel economy
They are much more costly to replace
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
Even if I could get a brain transplant and somehow like the looks of big wheels, the engineering and physics makes no sense.
Higher unsprung weight puts more stress on the suspension, reduces ride quality and tires are more subject to pothole damage
Heavier rotational mass reduces effective power to the wheels and reduces fuel economy
They are much more costly to replace
Higher unsprung weight puts more stress on the suspension, reduces ride quality and tires are more subject to pothole damage
Heavier rotational mass reduces effective power to the wheels and reduces fuel economy
They are much more costly to replace
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 729
Likes: 289
From: MA
I will not attempt to argue opinion of what looks better, but physics and engineering say these oversize tires absolutely have more negatives than positives.
Last edited by hotwings; Jun 8, 2025 at 06:52 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
Been driving with them for more than ten years, in and around midtown Manhattan, FDR, Westside Highway and never an issue. I get it - you wouldn't take the risk. I prefer the look, ride quality to me doesn't suffer and I think I've had one flat in more than ten years and that was due to a nail.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 8
From: Texas
If you believe you can trust the direction of the car market, I have a bridge to sell you.
I will not attempt to argue opinion of what looks better, but physics and engineering say these oversize tires absolutely have more negatives than positives.
Low Profile Tires vs Potholes
I will not attempt to argue opinion of what looks better, but physics and engineering say these oversize tires absolutely have more negatives than positives.
Low Profile Tires vs Potholes
Last edited by radiologym; Jun 8, 2025 at 07:30 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 1,358
From: IL
yup. I bought 3 Lexus SUVs since my 2007 ES350 and none could glide over potholes like ES. Looks like I will keep that ES for a while longer. If I want to have that ride experience in a newer vehicle, what the last year model ES should I buy when my 2007 finally dies?